Seven areas to tackle to improve Bradford's health

SEVEN key areas need to be tackled in the battle to tackle health inequality in Bradford, according to a new report.

And if the district is to combat the inequalities, it must look at the conditions in which people live, a meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board is set to conclude next week.

The meeting will hear about the Health Inequalities Action Plan and its seven-point list which includes the "significant issue" of tuberculosis (TB), as well as infant mortality, cancer screening and heart disease.

The issues, described as of "particular concern with regard to health inequalities in Bradford" have been highlighted as ones the Board can influence or authorise the actions needed to make progress.

The report states that tuberculosis "remains a significant public health issue for Bradford and Airedale" and that the district has the highest rate and biggest growth in new cases across Yorkshire and the Humber.

TB rates in Bradford children are also higher than regionally or nationally, the report says.

A health initiative aimed at tackling heart disease in Bradford will be discussed. Bradford Districts CCG's Cardiovascular Health programme will start in September and will identify patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as ensuring appropriate tests and medication are offered.

The district has also seen an increase in the recorded rate of diabetes over the past year, because of an increase in screening programmes and publicity.

The board will be asked to instruct NHS England, Bradford District CCGs and public health to help increase cancer screening uptake. Bradford City CCG has the lowest uptake rates in breast, cervical and bowel cancer screenings when compared to similar areas across the country.

The meeting will also hear that the infant mortality rate in Bradford district has dropped, and has done steadily over the last seven years. The number of children under five years old free from tooth decay has increased to more than half.

The plan also reveals that mortality rates in Bradford district for preventable deaths, such as excess winter deaths or heart disease, have reduced considerably since 2001-2003. The rate in Bradford has dropped more when compared to the regionally and nationally.

The report says there were about 225 preventable states: "The gap in mortality rate for deaths considered preventable between Bradford and England has narrowed."